Albinism - Beyond gender, race and ethnicity.

Albinism is a genetically inherited and non-contagious condition that occurs regardless of gender, race or ethnicity.

For a family to have a child with albinism, both parents must carry the gene and the mutated gene is then passed on to their child/children even if the parents do not have the manifestations of the condition.

The condition exists worldwide, with estimates varying from 1 in 5,000 in Sub-Saharan Africa and 1 in 20, 000 in North America and Europe according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, the condition exists throughout the animal kingdom, occurring in human beings, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Picture of a white male cardinal bird, by DIANE ATTERSON

Picture of "Claude", an albino alligator from California.

Albinism is often associated with lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair and/or eyes.

There are two main types of albinism:

• Oculocutaneous albinism or also known as OCA, is a type of albinism that affects the skin, hair, and eyes. This is the most common type of albinism. Most individuals at Born Too White Ottawa are affected by this type of albinism.

• Ocular albinism, also known as OA, is a very rarer type of albinism that commonly affects the eyes.

Lack of pigment particularly in the eyes and skin makes the skin for individuals with albinism vulnerable to sun exposure. Extreme exposure to the sun rays causes skin cancer and severe visual impairment to individuals with albinism.

Financial hardship to most immigrant individuals and families with albinism in Canada, posses extra hardship and challenges. Sebastian, an adult in the picture below, says that insufficient income at a time forces him to weigh between buying food or protecting his skin from cancer. "If you don't have enough money for your basic needs, you will only be left with two options. Either buying food or sunscreen for your skin," he giggles then continue, "sometimes I just buy food and then choose to stay indoor for like a week. Last summer I went to Quebec for fruits picking job and I turned red. I was burnt a lot and the fear for skin cancer sent me back home."

The albinism condition to newcomer individuals in Canada like Sebastian and Viane posses more challenges and slows their integration process. This is among the reasons why Born Too White Ottawa was started to establish a community that will enable immigrant individuals with albinism in Canada to mingle, share experiences and empower each other.